The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has directed the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to commence the process for registering and licensing motorbikes for commercial use in the country with immediate effect.
He stated that legalizing motorbikes for commercial purposes would ensure that riders strictly adhere to road safety regulations, helping to reduce motorbike-related crashes and fatalities.
Mr. Nikpe, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Saboba, noted that formalizing the commercial use of motorbikes, popularly known as Okada, would help curb indiscipline on the roads.
He gave the directive on his first day at work, during which he visited the DVLA and other agencies under the Transport Ministry.
Context
In 2012, Parliament passed the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), to regulate road transport in the country. Regulations 128 (1), (2), and (3) of L.I. 2180 prohibit the use of motorbikes or tricycles for commercial purposes.
Specifically, Regulation 128 (1) states: “The Licensing Authority shall not register a motorcycle to carry a fare-paying passenger.”
Section 128 (2) further states: “A person shall not permit a motorcycle or tricycle under their control to be used for commercial purposes, except for courier and delivery services.”
Additionally, Section 128 (3) stipulates: “A person shall not ride on a motorcycle or tricycle as a paying passenger.”
Despite these legal provisions, enforcement has been weak, leading to the widespread commercial use of motorbikes across the country.
In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) promised in its manifesto to legalize Okada operations, a move that would require an amendment to L.I. 2180.
Commitment
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with the DVLA’s top management, Mr. Nikpe said he had instructed the authority to begin the registration and licensing of motorbikes and riders as a matter of urgency.
“We are committed to revising the law to allow Okada riders to operate commercially. That is why I met with the DVLA management to strategize on achieving this campaign promise,” he said.
He added that the government aims to ensure that Okada riders receive proper training and licenses to transport passengers safely.
The minister expressed optimism that significant progress would be made toward legalizing Okada by the end of the first quarter of this year.
Improved Service Delivery
Mr. Nikpe urged the DVLA to enhance service delivery to ensure the public gets value for money. He emphasized the need to eliminate middlemen, locally known as “goro boys”, who facilitate unofficial transactions within the DVLA system.
“We want to ensure that there are no intermediaries within DVLA operations. Instead, we should leverage technology to enhance service delivery,” he stressed.
Staff Welfare
Addressing workers under the Transport Ministry during a durbar, Mr. Nikpe assured them that the government would settle five months of unpaid salaries owed to staff of the former Ministry of Railway Development, now under the Transport Ministry.
He emphasized that improving worker welfare, addressing promotion challenges, and streamlining working conditions were key priorities.
“There is a strong link between good working conditions and performance, and that will be my focus,” he stated.
He urged staff to be committed to their duties, reminding them that “this is the only Ghana we have, and we must work together to develop it.”
Decongestion and Transport Sector Enhancement
As part of efforts to improve road safety and efficiency, Mr. Nikpe said he planned to decongest roads by enhancing rail, air, and port transport systems to ease the pressure on the country’s highways.
He stressed the need for coordination among the 15 agencies under the ministry to avoid overlaps and duplication of responsibilities.
“We need a transport sector that truly serves the people of Ghana. Let’s put aside party politics and work hard to build the Ghana we want,” he said.
Among the agencies the minister visited for a firsthand assessment was the National Road Safety Authority.
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